Can Kitchen Door Knob be Different Metal Than Cabinet Hardware?

Factors to Consider When Mixing Metals

When mixing metal finishes in your kitchen hardware, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Limit the number of different metals. For a subtle, nuanced look, stick to just 2-3 complementary metals and finishes. For example, combine stainless steel appliances with brass cabinet hardware and satin nickel lighting fixtures.
• Consider the cabinet color and style. Mixing metals usually works best with neutral cabinet colors like white, grey and black. The cabinet door style also affects how well mixed metals look. For example, traditional Shaker cabinets provide a versatile backdrop for playing with different metal finishes.
• Aim for cohesion, not matching. Having kitchen knobs that perfectly match the metal of pulls or appliances creates a monotonous look. Instead, look for metals and finishes that coordinate.
• Use a dominant metal. Pick one primary metal finish to dominate, like stainless steel for appliances and faucets. Use other metals in smaller doses as accents.
• Vary textures. Mixing the texture of metals — like pairing brushed nickel with polished chrome — adds subtle interest.
• Consider personal style. Mixing traditional metals like bronze and wrought iron creates an old-world rustic kitchen. Stainless steel and satin nickel evoke a sleek, contemporary look.

Can Door Knobs be Different Than Cabinet Hardware?

When it comes to kitchen door knobs versus other cabinet hardware, it’s fine to use different finishes and metals. The knobs are small accents that can provide personality on a per-cabinet basis. Cabinet pulls and handles make more of a uniform statement, so they usually should match or coordinate closely.

Some guidelines on mixing knob and pull metals:

• Knobs in brushed nickel or bronze can complement pulls in polished chrome or stainless steel.
• Vintage crystal or ceramic knobs pop nicely against metallic cabinet hardware.
• Consistent finishes (e.g., all oil-rubbed bronze) still work if knob and pull shapes and styles differ.
• Distinct metals like aged copper and brushed stainless steel can look intentional and eclectic.

In general, limit yourself to 1-2 metals for pulls, handles and fixtures. Use knobs as the main opportunity for mixing things up.

Popular Metal Finishes for Kitchen Hardware

Here are some of the most common and versatile metal finishes for kitchen knobs, pulls, appliances and fixtures:

Stainless Steel

• Pros: Neutral, modern, anti-fingerprint. Matches appliances.
• Cons: Can look sterile. Shows scratches.

Brushed Nickel

• Pros: Understated. Works with many styles. Hides fingerprints.
• Cons: Not as warm as bronze or brass.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze

• Pros: Rich, warm finish. Ages nicely. Great for Tuscan or rustic styles.
• Cons: Very bold, dark. Shows fingerprints.

Matte Black

• Pros: Sophisticated. Modern and sleek.
• Cons: Dark and serious. Shows smudges. Lacks warmth.

Polished Chrome

• Pros: Clean, bright and shiny. Good for contemporary kitchens.
• Cons: Can look cheap if overused. Shows fingerprints.

Brass

• Pros: Traditional, warm, timeless. Makes a statement.
• Cons: Requires more maintenance to prevent tarnishing.

Mixing Metal Finishes in Action

Here are some examples of mixing metal finishes successfully in the kitchen:

• Stainless appliances + brass hardware: Stainless steel fridge, range and dishwasher with warm brass knobs, pulls and lighting fixtures.
• Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures + satin nickel hardware: Faucet and pendant lights in deep bronze paired with satin nickel cabinet knobs and handles.
• Chrome faucet + bronze hardware: Polished chrome kitchen faucet anchored with bronze pulls and bronze/glass knobs.
• Matte black fixtures + brushed nickel hardware: Black kitchen island light and range hood balanced with soft brushed nickel cabinet hardware.

Conclusion

While kitchen door hardware should coordinate with pulls and handles, it’s fine to have knobs serve as unique accents by mixing up the metal finishes. Limit yourself to 2-3 complementary metals. Consider cabinet color, personal style and textures. Aim for an eclectic but coordinated look. Stick to the same finish for larger fixtures like the kitchen faucet. Take a thoughtful, restrained approach to avoid a cluttered look when mixing metals in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixing Metal Finishes in the Kitchen

Can I mix stainless steel and brass hardware?

Yes, stainless steel and brass combine nicely. The neutral stainless plays well against the warm, traditional brass. Use stainless for appliances and brass for cabinet hardware.

Should door knobs match cabinet pulls?

They don’t need to perfectly match, but door knobs and pulls should coordinate. Use the same metals or complementary finishes like oil-rubbed bronze knobs with brushed nickel pulls.

What metals go well together in the kitchen?

Some popular combinations are stainless steel + chrome, bronze + nickel, brass + black, and chrome + stainless. Limit to 2-3 complementary metals.

Is it OK to mix metal and wood cabinets?

Yes, wood cabinets provide a nice backdrop for mixing metal hardware finishes. Just stick to 2-3 finishes and make sure your fixtures and appliances also complement the look.

Should my kitchen island hardware match the main cabinets?

Some coordination is good, but it’s fine to differentiate the island slightly with unique hardware. For example, use brass knobs on the main cabinets and black pulls on the island.